It was just as expected, and more...

Last Friday I dropped into the Gallagher Center on Xavier's campus to hear the XU Jazz Ensemble. They performed on the lower level atrium in the dining area outside of Ryans. A magnificent performance by the ensemble! Playing such numbers as "Fibbin Fool Blues", "All of Me", and "Oooh blah dee", the audience was totally engaged. The vocal quartet of the Scatsasonic Voices were on hand encouraging the crowd to join in with nearly each song. And the horns...... THE HORNS!!!!! These cats were in the back stepping and swinging in rhythm throughout each number! This band was having FUN, and that energy flowed into the audience. And in traditional XUJE fashion, the group closed with the number that makes them all happy, Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man". In turn, everyone left happy; ready for the weekend. Thanks to the XU Jazz Ensemble for a great holiday send-off. Check out some of the pics from the show!

- jh